Reasons Why.

For all of those expecting to endure 4-6 straight months of thru-hiking, it is advised to focus heavily on mental preparedness. While the trail is definitely physically taxing, weeks of solitude can turn into the ultimate psychological game. Though all attempting thru-hikers hike with a common goal, we hike for different reasons. Many people in my life have asked me why I have decided to embark on a journey of this magnitude. You have Zach, over at Appalachian Trials, to thank for the following "3 Lists"

1. Why I need to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail...

- because I told myself (and practically everyone I know) that I would. I’ve been talking about it for years. Time to stop talking and start acting.

- the time is now! The opportunity has presented itself, how am I to say no? I have nothing holding me back. No financial issues, no career, no boyfriend.

- I need to figure out my next steps to take for my career. Getting away from distractions will allow me the time to think. 

- I crave a life changing adventure. 

- I have never been given a challenge of this extent. I need to know that I have what it takes.

- to learn how to rely on myself, and myself alone.

- to break my addiction with the internet, electronics, and social media.  

- to take a break from daily societal expectations.

- to be part of the hiker community

- to prove that women are equally as capable of thru-hiking solo. Women shouldn’t be reluctant to achieve their dreams based off the fact that they must venture on alone.

- I'm terrified of living an average, expected, conventional life.

- I don't spend enough time outside. 

- I’m afraid the AT won’t always be what it currently is. I want to take advantage of it while I can. 

- to learn how to let go of schedules and realize that not having a plan may very well be the best plan.
- I need to learn how to not over-pack! (Seriously, those who really know me know that this is a serious issue…)

2. When I successfully thru-hike, I will…

- be confident in my ability to overcome obstacles and endure hardships.

- have a new-found sense of independence.

- consider myself a fucking bad-ass.

- better understand myself and my desires in friendships, relationships, and my career

- know that I can succeed in anything I strive to accomplish.

- happily give advice to future thru-hikers.

- appreciate all the people and material items I had been taking for granted.

- donate all of the belongings I realize I no longer need.

- buy a huge map of the Appalachian Trail.

- probably get a tattoo.

- eat lots of New York pizza and bagels.

- move in with one of my best friends and force her to go on future adventures with me. 

3. If I give up on the AT, I will...

- be ashamed of myself for not sticking to my word.

- have an easier time quitting future tasks. 

- force myself to make up an "acceptable" excuse as to why I quit.

- have to embarrassingly explain why I couldn't make it the whole way.

- prove the discouraging people right - that I couldn't make it.

- have spent way too much time and money on a failed goal.

- become a statistical failure of the trail.

- probably never attempt to thru-hike again. I have too many places I want to see. I don't have the time to try again. 

A Bit of Background...

I suppose I got a bit ahead of myself in my first blog post. It would probably be best to give those who haven't been recently obsessing over the Appalachian Trail a bit of background in regards to my upcoming adventure. 

Woo fun facts about the Appalachian Trail! 
- The AT is roughly 2180 miles in length. The exact milage is usually under debate. 
- It passes through 14 states (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine). 
- Virginia is home to about 550 miles of the trail, while West Virginia only has 4. 
- About 25% of those who set out to complete a Thru-hike make it to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. 
- The elevation gain across the trail is equal to that of Mt. Everest 16 times!

Well, I'm setting out at Amicalola Falls State Park tomorrow morning at 8am. My dad has decided to join me on the approach trail which I hear is pretty strenuous, considering it starts with about 600 stairs (but hey, we'll be climbing up the side of a waterfall). I've spent the past two days in the car with my parents and puppy, Lincoln (it's his first vacation!). After slack-packing from Amicalola to Springer Mountain (the official start of the AT), my parents will spend a few days vacationing in Atlanta before meeting me four days later to make sure I've made friends and want to continue. 

Planning and preparing for this journey has had quite the learning curve - I can only imagine the unexpected lessons I will be subjected to while I'm living in the woods for the next 4-6 months. 

Pre-Trail Notions

Seeing as I'm leaving New York in less than a week, I figured it was about time to begin a trail blog (it seems to be quite a tradition). As per usual, it appears that I am waiting until the last possible moment to complete all the tasks on my "Ultimate Pre-AT To Do List". Fortunately, I am confident in my ability to thrive under the pressure of my ever-approaching start date.

For those curious:

Ultimate AT To Do List

1. Create a tentative sleeping/hiking schedule

2. Plan resupply points and mail drops (addresses, costs, dates)

3. Separate food and supplies for each resupply box (create a rough estimate of calories)

4. Finish buying gear (test, weigh and learn how to pack efficiently)

5. Learn how to operate and understand all gear (headlamp, water filter, stove, etc)

6. Final doctor appointments, figure out prescriptions

7. Start a blog (wooo!)

8. Update phone with: pictures, addresses, important info, e-books, etc

9. Download music, update mp3 player

10. Establish some-sort of budget for the trail.

11. At least pretend to be physically training

12. Last-minute socializing

So here's to all my fellow procrastinators out there! May my last minute scrambling provide me with a frenzied excitement that I will sustain for the next 6 months of my life.